Liverpool and Sunderland will face off in the first match of the 2013-14 season.
Sunderland barely avoided relegation a year ago and finished 17th; the team will look to avoid a similar or worse fate this coming season. Meanwhile, Liverpool will look to overcome a seventh place finish and nightmare offseason in hopes of returning to its position as an elite Premier League and European squad.
Liverpool's drama this offseason came from two players. Of the two stories, the more minor issues came from former keeper Pepe Reina who was shipped off to Napoli despite his desire to leave for Barcelona.
However, the big problem was Luis Suarez and his transfer to Arsenal. The Uruguayan was given three offers from Arsenal, but saw his squad reject each one. The last one was for 40,000,001 pounds and supposedly fulfilled a minimal requirement for a sale. Suarez stated that his team had promised to move him if such a deal was offered and if the team failed to qualify for the Champions League this season.
"They gave me their word a year ago and now I want them to honor that," Suarez told the Guardian and the Telegraph, according to Fox News. "And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract. I'm not going to another club to hurt Liverpool."
Shortly after his statements, Suarez was asked to apologize by his coach Brendan Rodgers. He initially refused but eventually reconsidered and started to train with the team. He is expected to remain with the team.
Prediction: Liverpool is the favorite and should win 3-1.
Start Time: 7:45 a.m. EST
TV: NBCSN
Follow Live Score HERE
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
